If you have young children, your thoughts have probably turned to who would take care of them after you’re gone. That’s not an easy matter to consider, but with a legal guardianship, you can rest assured that your kids will be cared for even if you are not here.
Naming a Guardian
You should name a guardian and an alternate (in case the first person you chose cannot serve) for each child. You have the option to name multiple guardians, but it is not recommended due to the possibility of later disagreement. If you want two people to care for your child(ren), name them both so they share legal decision-making power. Consider these factors when choosing a guardian:
* The guardian’s age (guardians must be at least 18)
* The person’s concern for the welfare of your children
* The person’s physical ability to raise a child
* The level of time the person can devote to childrearing
* Their level of assets
* The guardian’s moral beliefs
* Their location–will your children need to relocate?
If you are having difficulty choosing a guardian, take the time to talk with the person (or people) you are considering. They may not be equipped to do the job, and their personal feelings on guardianship may help you make a decision.
Choosing a Different Guardian for Each Child
Most of us want our children to stay together after we’re gone, and if that is the case, you should name the same guardian for all of your children. However, you can name different guardians if you choose to do so. Some parents elect to do this if their children are far apart in age, or if they’re attached to different people outside the family. For instance, one child may be attached to a grandparent, while another may be closer to an aunt or cousin.
No one likes to think about their own mortality, and we don’t like to think about what’s going to happen to our children when we’re not there to care for them. No matter the situation, you should choose the guardian who is best able to care for each of your children. A guardianship attorney Oklahoma City, OK can help you choose the right living situation for your children’s needs.
